Immediate Family

About Christopher Grant Champlin

Christopher Grant Champlin (April 12, 1768 – March 18, 1840) was a United States Representative and Senator from Rhode Island. Born in Newport, he completed preparatory studies, was graduated from Harvard College in 1786, and continued his studies at the College of St. Omer in France.

Champlin was elected as a Federalist to the Fifth and Sixth Congresses (March 4, 1797 – March 4, 1801). He engaged in mercantile pursuits, and was later elected to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Francis Malbone and served from June 26, 1809, to October 2, 1811, when he resigned.

Champlin served as captain of the Newport Artillery Company from 1815 to 1818. He attended Newport's Congregationalist Church. Champlin was president of the Rhode Island Bank until a short time before his death in Newport in 1840; interment was in Common Burial Ground.

Christopher Grant Champlin (1768-1840), or "CGC", was the oldest child and only son of Christopher Champlin. By the 1790's he had graduated from Harvard, and was sent on a European tour to "refine" him and ready him for a merchant's life. He returned, settled to New York and lost a fortune in stock speculation, almost ruining his father. Like his father, CGC used opportunities for financial reward. For example, many of his friends he met while in Europe became contacts for trade, or financial partners. Also, to help his chances for winning a seat, CGC swore that he had not speculated in southern lands and would not use his office to help his investment. In reality, CGC had speculated heavily in the Tennessee Company with his Harvard College friend, Nathaniel Prince (Prime?).